U.S. patent number 8,936,374 [Application Number 13/347,018] was granted by the patent office on 2015-01-20 for turf protection system and led flooring system for preserving natural turf.
The grantee listed for this patent is John P. Royse. Invention is credited to John P. Royse.
United States Patent |
8,936,374 |
Royse |
January 20, 2015 |
Turf protection system and LED flooring system for preserving
natural turf
Abstract
A turf protection system that includes lights to continue
providing turf lighting requirements, so as to reduce and even
prevent turf deterioration. The system includes at least one
flooring section having a top, bottom, four sides formed to mate
sides of another of the at least one flooring section. The flooring
section includes ground supports extending from an inside surface
of flooring section to support the at least one flooring section on
a surface. The flooring section includes voids between the ground
supports to receive attachment of the lights between the ground
supports such that the ground supports protect the lights
contacting the surface the flooring sections is supported from. The
at least one flooring section in combination with the ground
supports being construction to support weight of heavy equipment
such as vehicle and event stages in order to protect the
lights.
Inventors: |
Royse; John P. (Bellefonte,
PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Royse; John P. |
Bellefonte |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
52301636 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/347,018 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/153;
404/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
33/006 (20130101); E01C 9/086 (20130101); F21S
2/00 (20130101); F21Y 2115/10 (20160801); F21Y
2105/10 (20160801) |
Current International
Class: |
F21S
8/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/384,383,382,153
;404/22,35,47 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bannan; Julie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Elnitski, Jr.; John J.
Claims
I claim:
1. A turf protection system for persevering grass comprising:
lights to continue grass lighting requirements on grass so as to
reduce and even prevent grass deterioration; at least one flooring
section having a top, bottom, four sides formed to mate sides of
another of said at least one flooring section such to form a flat
surface between said tops of said flooring sections, said bottom
including ground supports extending from an inside surface of said
top adapted to support said at least one flooring section on grass,
said bottom including voids between said ground supports to receive
attachment of said lights between said ground supports such that
said ground supports protect said lights from contacting the grass
strips of LED lights attached within said voids being said lights,
said LED lights facing downward from said top and adapted to
provide light towards grass, whereby said lights provide light to
grass when said bottom of said at least one flooring section is
placed on grass; light connections connected to said lights to
allow connection to electrical power, said top of said at least one
flooring section in combination with said ground supports being
construction to support weight of heavy equipment and event stages
in order to protect said lights.
2. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein said lights are
multiple strips of LEDs running through said voids, said LEDs
producing light in the range of wavelengths form 400 to 800 nm of
light.
3. The turf protection system of claim 2, further including LEDs to
emit green light.
4. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein said lights are
multiple rectangular light pods that are adapted to face grass,
said light pods containing LEDs in each of said light pods which
produce light in the range of wavelengths form 400 to 800 nm of
light.
5. The turf protection system of claim 4, further including LEDs in
each pod to emit green light.
6. The turf protection system of claim 1, further including a clear
protective layer covering all of said bottom of each of said at
least one flooring section to protect said lights from grass.
7. The turf protection system of claim 1, further including
electrical connections to interconnection of lights of two or more
of said at least one flooring section.
8. A turf protection system comprising: lights to continue turf
lighting requirements on turf so as to reduce and even prevent turf
deterioration; at least one flooring section having a top, bottom,
four sides formed to mate sides of another of said at least one
flooring section such to form a flat surface between said tops of
said flooring sections, said bottom including ground supports
extending from an inside surface of said top to support said at
least one flooring section on a surface, said bottom including
voids between said ground supports to receive said lights between
said ground supports such that said ground supports protect said
lights from contacting said surface that said flooring sections are
supported from, said lights attached within said voids facing
downward to provide light towards said bottom of said flooring
section and the surface such that said lights provide light to the
turf when said bottom of said at least one flooring section is
placed on turf; light connections connected to said lights to allow
connection to electrical power, said top of said at least one
flooring section in combination with said ground supports being
construction to support weight of heavy equipment and event stages
in order to protect said lights; and wherein two of said four sides
of said at least one flooring section are two key sides and two of
said four sides of said at least one flooring section are two key
receiving sides, said key sides formed to mate with key receiving
sides of another of said at least one flooring section such to form
a flat surface between said tops of said at least one flooring
sections which are attached together.
9. The turf protection system of claim 8, wherein said key sides
include at least two keys, said key configured to engage at least
two key holes in each of said key receiving sides.
10. The turf protection system of claim 8, wherein said two key
sides include lights embedded in said sides and said key receiving
sides include light openings to allow said lights embedded in said
key sides to shine towards grass when two of said at least one
flooring section are attached together.
11. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein said ground
supports crisscross to form said voids in a honeycomb
structure.
12. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein said top and
said inside surface is of a translucent material and each of said
at least one flooring section includes space around said lights
adapted to allow light to reflect up from grass and pass between
said top and said inside surface to be seen from said top.
13. The turf protection system of claim 1, further including a rack
with wheels, said rack having two ends of a triangle shape, wherein
said ends each have said wheels attached and wherein said at least
one flooring section is attached to said rack between said ends and
is suspended above grass, such that said at least one flooring
section can be wheeled about grass.
14. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein said lights are
LEDs, further including electronic controls connected to said
lights to control patterns of lights, wherein said top is of a
translucent material to allow light from said lights to pass
between said top and said inside surface, such that said lights can
be viewed from said top.
15. The turf protection system of claim 1, wherein combination of
said ground supports and said top can withstand an applied weight
of up to 1,056 pounds per square inch when said at least one
flooring section is on a turf surface.
16. A method of protecting grass when covered and weight is applied
to material covering the grass comprising: providing a covering
material which can sit on the grass and withstand an applied weight
of up to 1,056 pounds per square inch when the covering material is
on the grass; and providing lights within the covering material to
aid in preserving grass, where the lights are provided in such a
manner as that the lights do not contact the grass under the
covering material and provided in such a manner that weight applied
to the covering material does not damage the lights, wherein the
lights are strips of LED lights attached within voids of the
covering material, wherein the LED lights face downward from
covering material to provide light towards grass and wherein the
lights provide light to grass when said bottom of said at least one
flooring section is placed on grass.
17. The method of claim 16, further including providing the
covering material in sections which can be combined together to
provide a level surface and providing electrical connections to
interconnect lights between the provided sections.
18. The method of claim 16, further including providing light in
the range of wavelengths form 400 to 800 nm of light using
LEDs.
19. The method of claim 16, further including providing a
translucent material covering so the lights can also shine upward
through the material towards the user, providing LEDs for the
lights and providing a electronic controls to control the lights in
different patterns.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods of
preserving natural turf when covered for an event, and more
particularly to apparatus that can support vehicles or heavy
objects.
Morphological changes in turf grass can occur within 4 to 7 days of
exposure to reduced irradiance levels. An estimated 20 to 25% of
the lawns in the United States are grown under some degree of tree
or structural shade stress. Turf grass may survive in as little as
5% of full sunlight under no traffic. Growth and development of
turf grass is greatly influenced by both the quality and the
quantity of light available for photosynthesis. However, depending
on species and management 22-35% of sunlight is required for normal
turf growth.
Stadiums and other venues host major events on natural turf playing
surfaces. Areas of turf grass are typically damaged after a major
event in the areas where a stage sits, and the areas where
construction of the stage takes place due to a lack of sunlight.
The current method for providing a base on which a stage can be
placed on natural turf consists of layers of plywood and Inka mat
that is placed directly on top and covering the turf. The layers of
this base provide a solid surface on which to place the stage. The
plywood areas, sometimes referred to as "corn chips", are left on
the natural turf for up to six days straight to allow for placement
of stage bases, event rehearsal, performance and subsequent
deconstruction of the stage. The after-effects of a larger event
can devastate up to one fifth of the covered area. The result of
covering the turf is that the turf is wilted, discolored, and even
dead. Before using the turf areas again, the areas of turf that
have been covered for six or more days need adequate time to
recover from the lack of sunlight. The typical time of recovery or
total replacement of turf is usually three to six days and delay
the use of the turf for its intended purpose, may not be acceptable
to the owner of the turf.
It is an object of the present invention to provide uninterrupted
photosynthesis to turf while covered during a major event where the
covered area is without direct sunlight for an extended period of
time.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that
aids in preserving the turf to be covered and allow the use of
vehicles and heavy objects while the turf is covered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A turf protection system that includes lights to continue providing
turf lighting requirements, so as to reduce and even prevent turf
deterioration. The system includes at least one flooring section
having a top, bottom, four sides formed to mate sides of another of
the at least one flooring section. The flooring section includes
ground supports extending from an inside surface of flooring
section to support the at least one flooring section on a surface.
The flooring section includes voids between the ground supports to
receive attachment of the lights between the ground supports such
that the ground supports protect the lights contacting the surface
the flooring sections is supported from. The at least one flooring
section in combination with the ground supports being construction
to support weight of heavy equipment such as vehicle and event
stages in order to protect the lights.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view a flooring section according to the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view a flooring section according to the
present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view a flooring section according to the
present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two flooring sections according to
the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two flooring sections according to
the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of connecting two flooring sections
according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of connecting two flooring sections
according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lighting strip according to the
present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a flooring section according to the
present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flooring section according to
the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flooring section according to
the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flooring section according to
the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a photo of the colored LED lights shining through a
flooring section according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of flooring sections on a wheeled
rack according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a flooring section with different
honeycomb pattern according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The most limiting yet essential factor for the turf throughout the
duration of the event on the turf is the lack of sunlight when
covered. The present invention provides the turf area to be covered
with the wavelengths of 400-800 nm of light through Light Emitting
Diodes (LED). Blue and red light from the LEDs of the present
invention allows the required uninterrupted photosynthesis to take
place during use of the present invention. The present invention
allows stage footings to sit directly on the LED lighting. The
present invention provides portable units that can be placed under
the stage, as well as around the stage to allow construction
equipment to safely pass over the turf without damage, while
providing light to protect the turf.
The present invention is turf protection system using a LED
enhanced flooring to cover natural turf. The system is divided into
pallet-sized flooring sections 10 that are attachable to each
other, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Each flooring section 10 includes
four sides, a top 12 and a bottom 14. FIGS. 1-4 show a bottom view
of the flooring section 10. The four sides are used to interconnect
flooring sections 10. Each flooring section 10 includes two key
sides 16 and two key receiving sides 18. The key side 16 connects
to the key receiving side 18 of another flooring section 10 to lock
the flooring sections 10 together, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. FIGS. 6-7
show a close up how the flooring sections 10 are locked together.
The key side 16 includes a series of keys 20. Each key 20 includes
a face plate 22 and key body 24. FIGS. 6-7 show the face plate 22
having two slots 26 and the key body 24 having two opposing upper
locking lugs 28 and two opposing lower locking lugs 30. Both the
key sides 16 and key receiving sides 18 include key holes 32. FIGS.
5-6 show the key side 16 is placed on top of the key receiving side
18, so that key holes 32 of both align with each other. The key
holes 32 include opposing lug slots 34, such that the key 20 can be
inserted into the key holes 32 with the upper locking lugs 28 and
the lower locking lugs 30 passing through the lug slots 34. The key
20 can then be turned using the face plate slots 26, such that the
upper locking lugs 28 and the lower locking lugs 30 turn beyond the
lug slots 34. Together the face plate 22, upper locking lugs 28 and
the lower locking lugs 30 lock the key sides 16 and key receiving
sides 18 together.
FIGS. 1-2 show the bottom of the flooring section 10 including a
honeycomb style pattern of openings 36 formed by a support
framework of ground support strips 38. The ground support strips 38
extend from an inside surface 40 of material that forms the solid
top 12 of flooring section 10. The ground support strips 38 are
designed to contact the surface that the flooring sections 10 will
be placed upon, while providing spacing for lighting between the
top 12 and that surface. The ground support strips 38 provide the
structural support so that the lighting is not crushed when weight
is applied to the top 12 of the flooring sections 10. The flooring
section 10 with the combination of the top 12 and honeycomb pattern
of ground support strips 38 can withstand weights up to 1,056
pounds per square inch or about 150 tons of weight. Each flooring
section 10 includes LEDs 41 enrobed in waterproof lighting strips
42, as shown in FIG. 8. The lighting strips 42 are attached to the
inside surface 40 of the flooring section 10. A close up is shown
in FIG. 9, showing the lighting strips 42 running through the
ground support strips 38. FIG. 10 shows light slots 44 cut out of
the ground supports strips 38 to allow passage of the LED lighting
strips 42. The key receiving sides 18 include light openings 46, as
shown in FIGS. 1-7. The key sides 16 include the light strips 42
embedded into the key sides 16, as shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 9. This
allows for additional light to emit through the light openings 46.
FIGS. 1-2 show power supply modules 48 to control and regulate
power to the lighting strips 42. FIGS. 1-4 and 9 show power
connections 50 to interconnect the flooring sections 10 together.
At least one of the power connections 50 would be connected to a
main power supply of an external source to power all of the
flooring sections 10 that are used. FIG. 9 also shows wiring 52
interconnecting the individual lighting strips 42 together. FIGS.
2-3 show a clear protective layer 54 attached to the bottom 14 of
the flooring sections 10 using screws 56 and screw holes 58 in the
ground support strips 38. The clear protective layer 54 can be
clear acrylic plastic and is used to protect the lighting strips 42
and wiring 52. The clear protective layer 54 can act as a light
diffuser. Alternatively, the clear protective layer 54 can be
replaced with a layer of netting to allow air to circulate.
Having the flooring sections 10 in pallet-size makes the flooring
sections 10 easy to move using fork lift equipment. The flooring
sections 10 may be placed directly on the turf, allowing
construction equipment to safely carry event-staging materials over
the turf. When the flooring sections 10 are combined, an ideal
product for event staging on natural turf is created and therefore
minimizing injury to the turf. The flooring sections 10 become a
protective surface that can be driven on, while providing the
light-emitting lighting strips 42 on the bottom 14 of flooring
section 10 to face the grass surface they are resting on. One can
grow turf and protect turf in the wintertime using the flooring
sections 10 and could drive snowplows over turf, while still
providing light to turf. The LEDs 41 of the lighting strips 42
supply light to the turf that the flooring sections 10 are resting
on and allow photosynthesis to continue uninterrupted. The LEDs 41
of each flooring section 10 are designed to provide wavelengths of
light between 200 and 800 nm from the lighting strips 42.
Wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm are referred to as photosynthetically
active radiation (PAR) and that portion of the solar spectrum
visible to the human eye. In plants, production of pigments
chlorophylls and carotenoids are also referred to as action spectra
that absorb these wavelengths. Chlorophyll a selectively absorbs
light within the visible spectrum, peaking at 410, 430 (blue light)
and 660 nm (red light). Absorption by chlorophyll b peaks at 430
455 and 640 nm. The carotenoid pigments lutein and .beta.-carotene
absorb strongly in the blue region with maximum absorption
occurring at 448 and 454 nm. Far-red light is the region of the
spectrum between 700 and 800 nm. While not absorbed by chlorophyll
for photosynthesis, it has a strong influence on
photomorphogenesis, which is a term that describes how light
influences plant architecture. For optimum results, the system
should be placed over non-stressed turf. The flooring sections 10
may be left over the turf for 8 days to 4 months depending on the
season to minimize the effect on the ability of the turf to
photosynthesize. Light applied to the turf should reflect when the
sun comes up and be turned off when the sun goes normally goes
down, as the turf needs a break from the light application. 24-hour
exposure does not work, where a 4-8 hour period of no light is
ideal. Power systems of the flooring sections 10 may need to be
cooled. Reparation of the plant increases as temperature increases
due to power system, so fans may be required to cool power
systems
FIGS. 11-12 show the lighting strips 42 replaced with LED filled
light pods 60. The LED filled light pods 60 allow for several
different color LEDs contained in the light pods 60 to create
different light patterns. The top 12 of the floor sections 10
through to the inside surface of the floor sections can be of a
transparent or translucent material for light transmission. The
light transmission can be used in two ways. First, sunlight can
shine through the top 12 to the grass surface below the floor
section 10 to aid the lighting strips 42 in providing light to the
grass. Second, the LED's can reflect upward through the top 12 to
provide light designs and patterns that can be viewed by users or
even have some of the LEDs shine directly upward. Light designs
viewed by the user can be used to direct patrons before and after
an event to make safety pathways. The light transmitted through the
top 12 of the flooring sections 10 can act as a light show that
goes with the music at the event, while still protecting the turf.
The light designs could also be in the form of advertisements. FIG.
13 shows examples of the light showing up through the top 12 of the
flooring section 10. The LEDs could shine through the ice of a
hockey rink formed on top of the flooring sections 10, while
protecting the grass below. The LEDs in the flooring section 10 can
be linked to portable music devices, such as MP3 players and iPODs
that have wireless communication. The flooring sections 10 can have
receivers that detect when someone is on the flooring section 10
and can link up to the portable music devices, such that a light
show is produced based on the music played to provide a personal
dance floor in stadium. An example is to add one waterproof DMX
decoder and three or 4 waterproof RGB amplifiers to each power
supply modules of the flooring section 10. Also, a DMX wire or a 4
wire RGB, would be added to the power cord to send a signal to each
of the floor sections 10. For stage lighting and effects, by using
red, green and blue LED emitters located close to each other, you
can adjust their individual intensities to create an almost
unlimited palette of colors, rather like a television does, but
with much greater brightness, flexibility and scalability. And add
a fourth color, amber, to provide even finer control over the mixed
shades for those who need it. An example is to have two one port
dmx interfaces installed next to each of the power supply modules
of the flooring section 10 to control the RGB LEDs in the lighting
strips. Each flooring section 10 would be connected through cat 5
wire on a network. iPOD/iPAD, as well as other electronics can act
as the DMX controller using wireless technology. FIG. 14 shows the
flooring sections 10 supported by a rack 62 by having the flooring
sections hang downward from the rack using cables. The rack 62
includes wheels 64 such that a rack 62 of flooring sections 10 can
be wheeled onto a grass surface and light applied without placing
the flooring sections 10 on the turf. FIG. 15 shows a different
honeycomb pattern for the ground support strips 38.
While different embodiments of the invention have been described in
detail herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that various modifications and alternatives to the embodiments
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements are
illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of the
invention that is to be given the full breadth of any and all
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *